Exploring the Versatile Applications and Optimization Challenges of Wiegand Energy Harvesters: A Review

Abstract

Self-powered sensors are integral to the advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless sensor networks, unmanned vehicles, smart cities, and other sustainability initiatives. This review sheds light on the operational principles, materials, manufacturing processes, output characteristics, and potential applications of Wiegand sensors. A Wiegand sensor consists of a magnetic-sensing wire, known as a Wiegand wire, and a pick-up coil that is responsible for converting magnetic flux changes into electrical signals and energy. This requires an external magnetic field reversal to induce flux changes in the Wiegand wire, resulting in an output pulse in the pick-up coil. This output pulse is the product of the large Barkhausen effect, which renders the sensor performance independent of triggering and sensing frequencies. The main objective of this review is to provide a thorough overview of research on the Wiegand sensors. This section outlines current research findings and identifies potential application scenarios. Moreover, this review highlights any gaps in the existing literature and suggests directions for future research. Ultimately, the study offers insights into perspectives and research opportunities within the field of Wiegand sensors.